Onyx Reserve Toro

Quick review on a surprisingly good cigar. This is a deep, dark stick - almost black, with attractive mottling throughout and few obvious veins. Very nice matte oil sheen on the toothy wrapper looks tasty. Pre-light aroma was the classic horse barn / cow patty earthiness I remember as a kid when we went to the local riding stables. Cold draw was unremarkable - fortunately, better than the initial aroma! Lighting was a bit longer than most- probably due to the very dark tobaccos used. Once properly toasted, the burn was good with moderate white smoke. A couple of touch-ups required, but nothing major.
First draw was fairly tight, but still offered up a LOT of spiciness and bitter coffee...great start. I was hoping for a stout smoke and found exactly that. First half inch was a bit rough, but things settled in shortly with smooth, creamy coffee and expresso flavors. No major flavor changes - just slight shifts of the same, but smooth and flavorful throughout. Only down side was that the draw was a bit tighter than I like, but was still manageable.
This is an often overlooked cigar that is really quite good. Much better maduro than some ultra premiums I've tried. Can be had for a fiver at most B & M shops. Recommended!
RR

[Porch Dweller]

Thanks for the review! I've thought about picking one of these up every now and then but never have. I might have to change that...

[RobR1205]

I have a fiver that I've been sitting on. I got them really cheap, so I figured I'd let them rest. I think I'm going to break one out soon. Thanks for the review!

[kelmac07]

Not a bad stick at all, especially for the price. This is the first stick that turned my hands black from the dye.

[Coach Deg]

I had an Onyx about 8yrs ago and hated it. Maybe it is time to try again. Thank you for the review and I will be picking up a few next time I see them.

[TJtorpedo]

This was one of my 'starter' cigars back about 9 yrs ago. I would buy them at the liquor store because I thought the band looked cool, lol. They used to knock me on my a$$!

[WhiteMamba]

I got two of these in a sampler a little while back. I might have to light one up and see for myself

[ColdCuts]

Originally Posted by kelmac07

This is the first stick that turned my hands black from the dye.

I know this is an old thread and there are those who get upset when someone resurrects an old thread.



It's just, Mac, I'd like to hear more. So, Onyx is artificially colored? I don't know about you fellas, but I want my maduros to be genuine. In other words, I want their color to be the result of a longer natural fermentation process, not dye.

Mac, you said Onyx was the first to turn your hands black. Who else? I've got to know. What other manufacturers dye their wrapper leaf?